DANIEL
MCKINLEY

Daniel McKinley has always eschewed the normal confines of thought, seeking instead the boundless landscapes of imagination through his art. From a young age, McKinley was immersed in the world of creativity—whether through the pages of books, the stanzas of poetry he penned, or the sketches he drew. This profound connection to artistic expression was more than a pastime; it was his way of transcending the limitations of the everyday world. Art, for McKinley, was not just an escape but a vital discovery of self, a way to live beyond the walls and doors that seemed to enclose others.

The origins of McKinley’s artistic journey are deeply rooted in his dissatisfaction with the conventional and a yearning for something beyond. Museums and the stories held within them didn’t just entertain him; they offered a mirror in which he found a reflection of his inner self. His artworks, therefore, are not merely visual experiences but are deeply imbued with the intention to escape from mental and physical confines. Each piece serves as a passage to infinite possibilities, challenging the viewer to look beyond the apparent and explore the layers of meaning and emotion concealed within.

McKinley’s approach to art is fundamentally intertwined with his philosophy of life. He views the canvas as a space of infinite possibility, a starting point for dialogues that push the boundaries of conventional thinking. His creative process involves a dynamic interplay of addition and subtraction, a continual reworking until the essence of the idea is captured. This method reflects his broader quest for authenticity and depth, aiming to provoke contemplation and emotional response from the viewer rather than mere aesthetic appreciation.

I believe that every blank canvas holds an invitation to a journey beyond the visible, a venture into a realm where boundaries dissolve and the mind is free to explore. My work is an escape from confinement, a challenge to the limits imposed by conventional perceptions of art and life. I engage with my canvas as one might converse with an old friend, where the exchange is rich with possibilities and discoveries are made in the quietest of whispers. Each piece I create is a testament to the power of imagination to redefine reality.

My inspiration springs from the core of my experiences and interactions with the world—both the tangible and the ethereal. It’s not confined to the observable but is often sparked by the nuances of emotion and thought that accompany my daily encounters. This inspiration is then channeled into my work, where the abstract intermingles with the real, creating spaces that beckon the viewer to enter and explore. I strive to create art that not only represents a visual escape but also evokes a visceral response in the viewer, prompting them to question, to feel, and ultimately, to understand a perspective that transcends the conventional.

As I continue my artistic journey, my aim is to deepen this exploratory dialogue between my inner world and the external canvas. With each brushstroke, I seek to capture the fleeting moments of clarity and confusion alike, embedding them within the layers of my work. My ultimate goal is to leave behind a body of work that not only challenges viewers but also inspires them to see beyond the immediate, to unravel the complexities hidden in the simple, and to find beauty and understanding in the chaos of the abstract.

Education:

• Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, California
• School of Visual Arts, New York City

Exhibitions:

• Exhibited globally including: Salon des Beaux Arts, Paris; The Dublin Biennale; London Biennale; Florence Biennale.
• Participated in major Art Fairs such as Miami Spectrum and New York Art Expo.

Awards:

• Collector’s Prize, Contemporary Art Magazine Award, 2023
• Finalist, London International Creative Competition, 2023
• Premiere Artist Prize Winner, Contemporary Art Station, 2023
• Top Featured Artist, Arttour Magazine, 2023